Are you a victim of Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) In Winter?

Do you sweat abnormally that it soaks through your clothes? Do you experience night sweats for no reason? Does your sweating disrupt your daily routine? If so, then beware you are a victim of Hyperhidrosis! 

What is Hyperhidrosis 

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a common disorder which is normally active in the hands, feet, armpits and the groin because of their relatively high concentration of sweat glands. 

Types

1. Primary Focal (essential) Hyperhidrosis

It is the most common form of hyperhidrosis. Here the nerves responsible for signaling your sweat glands become overactive, even though they haven't been triggered by physical activity or a rise in temperature. With stress or nervousness, the problem becomes even worse. This type usually affects your palms and soles and sometimes your face. 

Causes 

There is no medical cause for this type of hyperhidrosis. It may have a hereditary component, because it sometimes runs in families.

2. Secondary Hyperhidrosis

It occurs when excess sweating is due to a medical condition. It's the less common type. It's more likely to cause sweating all over your body.  

Causes 

• Diabetes

• Menopause hot flashes

• Thyroid problems

• Low blood sugar

• Some types of cancer

• Heart attack

• Nervous system disorders

• Infections

Complications of hyperhidrosis  

• Infections- People who sweat profusely are more prone to skin infections.

• Social and emotional effects- Having clammy or dripping hands and perspiration-soaked clothes can be embarrassing. Your condition may affect your pursuit of work and educational goals.

Common Symptoms  

• People suffering from this disorder sweat excessively.

• Heavy sweating is accompanied by lightheadedness, chest pain and even nausea.

Wet palms of the hands. 

• Wet soles of the feet.

• Sweating can affect one specific area or the whole body.

• Noticeable sweating that soaks through clothing.

• It causes embarrassment, discomfort and anxiety.

• Irritating and painful skin problems.

Some Do’s and Dont’s

 Do’s

• One should wear loose-fitting clothes to minimize sweating.

• Wear socks that absorb moisture and change your socks at least twice a day.

• Try to wear leather shoes and change shoes everyday. 

Dont’s 

• Avoid wearing tight clothes or man-made fabrics like nylon.

• Don’t wear sports shoes as it causemore sweating.  

• Avoid alcohol and spicy food.

• Bath daily to reduce body odor.

Many people suffering from hyperhidrosis do not seek medical advice either due to embarrassment or because they do not know that effective treatment exists. It tends to begin during adolescence. 

Treatment of Hyperhidrosis

1. Over-the-counter antiperspirants containing a low dose of metal salt (usually aluminum) are usually tried first because they are readily available. Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride like Certain Dri, more effective when other antiperspirants have failed.

2. Prescription strength antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate.

3. Iontophoresis, a device which passes ionized tap water through the skin using direct electricity.

4. Oral medications, Anti-cholinergicsreduce sweating. 

The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS)

The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) has marked November as Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month. Its aim is to create awareness about Hyperhidrosis.  Especially at school and work where the condition can negatively impact functioning, contacts, confidence. Therefore, IHhS has marked all November’s as Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month until there is no cure. IHhS is leading patient-centric, educational, supportive, and non-commercial efforts to champion the needs of Hyperhidrosis sufferers around the world. 

Aim of IHhS

• To Raise awareness about how common Hhactually is (nearly 5% of the population is affected and approximately 17% of teenagers) 

• Celebrate the resilience of those living with Hyperhidrosis.

• Share tips, support and hope.

• Advocate for new, effective treatments.